The idea for Art Bazaar was born outside Sheddy’s Public Parlor on Fairfax Avenue nearly a year ago.

I was gearing-up to shoot a short film that summer, as well as, a music video for singer/songwriter Zach Laliberte. During budget discussions over beers at Sheddy’s, our friend Chris Bonno – a talented comic and painter who was appearing in the music video – suggested a fundraiser loft party.

“Have music, a couple comics, charge five bucks at the door,” he said.

Zach Laliberte playing at Art Bazaar. - Photo by Sharrel Paul

I put the word out to my artist friends and scheduled the fundraiser for July. It ended up taking place at Sheddy’s, where we also shot the short film and part of the music video.  Jim Sheddy is a good friend of mine and enthusiastic about supporting the arts in Los Angeles (i.e., giving us the space for free!) Many of my friends volunteered to donate their talents for the evening of entertainment. Some pulled double duty: Chris performed a stand-up set, as well as, donating paintings for the silent auction; Buck Ball performed solo stand-up and two-man improv with James Heaney; and Noah Ramsey-Smith performed with two of his bands, Rough Duchess and Watchdog. Zach played several songs before we screened teasers for the short film and his music video.

Zach, Chris and I lived in the same neighborhood at the time, and we’d host frequent art parties, listening to music and painting collaborative canvases. It occurred to us that we could bring this creative party vibe to the Art Bazaar show and it would become a new thing entirely.

We held another event at Sheddy’s in mid-September and added a new element:

Brian Rodriguez performing stand-up. - Photo by Sharrel Paul

Collaborative painting. Chris brought in a blank canvas and we set it up at the front of the bar for people to paint on throughout the night. That night featured impromptu stand-up by our friend Hal Sparks, as well as, a couple of other people who were inspired to jump up to the mic. The synergy and collective excitement was tangible. We all sensed we had something here and started planning the next one.

The space, however, presented us with a problem. Sheddy’s is a narrow, curtain-draped bar that looks like it belongs somewhere in Europe. It’s beautiful, but our only performance area was the front corner; visibility for the audience was limited. Soon, Zach and I connected with TRiP in Santa Monica. The owner gave us the first Monday in November and said we could keep all door proceeds. If it was a successful night at the bar, we could have all first Mondays from there on out. We’re now gearing up for our seventh Monday show at TRiP, on May 2^nd!  We’ve also become partners with the Paul G. Gleason Theater in Hollywood: A blackbox that provides for a more traditional type of performance.

Our roster of artists grows exponentially with every show. We now have solo musicians, full bands, comics, improvisers, burlesque dancers, hula-hoopers, performance poets and visual artists who exhibit their work in silent auction. One of my favorite finds has been a guy who goes by “Professor Pit,” whose talent is playing the harp while beat-boxing.

At every show, we set up a bazaar table displaying all kinds of crafts and goods for sale,

Bazaar table packed with goods.

after all, one man’s trash, as they say…  We’ve also instated an open music jam that starts half an hour before the official performances. Anyone and everyone is welcome to pick up a guitar, tambourine, djembe or panflute and create some collective music.

Most Americans have been instilled with the belief that you need to be schooled in music to play music, you need to take art classes in order to paint, and, of course, that white people can’t dance. We tend to forget that music dissipates as soon as it’s played, any pattern can be painted over, and dancing is fun no matter how goofy you look. Creativity is not something you’ll be graded on. All art is disposable, mistakes are fun and funny – especially when you’re drinking beer and hanging out with great folks.

Dancing is always encouraged. - Photo by Sharrel Paul

In a city so apparently driven by the desires for profit and celebrity, Art Bazaar has drawn in dozens of artists who are there purely for the joy of expression and creation. At nearly every show, an audience member or new artist remarks to me that this event doesn’t feel like it belongs in Los Angeles. “It’s got a [New York] [London] [Austin] [Portland] [insert other artsy city here] feel,” they say.

Au contraire! Art Bazaar was born in Los Angeles, and it proves that our city is not populated merely by plastic cards and plastic people.  Turns out Los Angeles has a truly creative heart. - Lysandra Petersson

You can find Art Bazaar on the web at www.facebook.com/artbazaarla. But to really understand it, check out a show! First Monday of every month at TRiP, 2101 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA; and sometime in the third week of every month at the Paul G. Gleason Theater, 6520 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA.

You’ve seen it again and again in the movies; some warriors are all about the win, others are about the strategy, and then some warriors are all about the outfits….err, amour… but all warriors are about the beer (victory or not). That’s why when Red Frog Events started advertising for the Warrior Dash in Lake Elsinore on April 2 & 3, me and my warrior buddies were quick to enlist. We know deep in our hearts that while Richard Gere may trump us in a game of passion and treason, our Knights of the Bar Table would slay him in a race through fire and rubbage to get to our veiled beauties.

Warrior preparation.

But being thirsty for beer and a vengeance isn’t enough – one needs to prepare for the hellish course of fire, mud, climbing and scrambling for our glory – and decide what exactly that means to you. There are many different ways to measure your wins at the Dash: Most ridiculous costume, best warrior beard, top three participants by age group and by overall participants. My personal achievement will be making it across that finish line (at any pace) and earning that moment that a cold beer first touches my blushing lips. Ahhh… success will be mine.

Warriors race through mud and fire.

But I’m not settling up before I start – there is definitely preparation at hand. My team’s first order of warrior business was coordinating outfits. We then appointed our cheerleaders, and lastly pushed the limits on our physical endurance and alcohol tolerance. (Note: The order of which each group prepares will vary; our group just so happens to be semi-athletic, 100% heavy metal, avid beer drinkers that love a challenge.) If you get a chance to have one, working with a team to prep for battle is a blast. Why trust a stranger to tell you if you have mud and grass stuck in your teeth when you could trust a friend?

We will be showing up early to get situated and possibly set-up our campgrounds for the night. We caught wind that there’s a place we can post up for the rest of the day so we don’t have to drive our warhorses home after such an exhausting day of charging, racing and boozing.

If you’re up for the challenge, we’ll see you on the battlefield! Have no fear of getting dirt in your kilts, friends. We don’t know what’s in store for us, but then – who really does when they go into battle?

“…I know you can fight. But it’s our wits that make us men.” – William Wallace

Check out and register for the event at: http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_socal.php – Maux Gitto

Valentine's Day creates love zombies.

When Cupid’s arrow strikes the city of angels, chaos ensues. Seriously, it’s like a zombie apocalypse except instead of looking for brains, they are looking to get laid. Reservations are impossible, flower trucks are running around like mad (driven by Ashton Kutcher; see Valentine’s Day) and people every where are in a rush to either impress their lover, find one quickly or drown their sorrows with some other love-less conspirators.

But don’t fret my fellow Survivors, there are alternatives to the cliche fancy dinner and snooze-worthy red roses. L.A.’s warm temps and cool local spots mean you don’t fall in with the herd to show your affection. Here are some of our top alternatives for the big V-D:

Do Something Creative Together

Hit up Blick for art supplies, put on some indie-pop and paint the night away with your sweetie. Or, perhaps, get stacks of props, some sheets of cardboard and grab an iPhone or Flip to film your own Gondry-esque short. And, if your honey is a film buff, you could always create a night around their favorite flick with a screening. (Ala, caucasians and The Big Lebowski or $5 shakes and Pulp Fiction) This city is full of artsy former film students, and these creative ventures will tickle their inner romantic, and perhaps, allow you to tickle even more.

Do Something Outdoor-sy

Get on your wheels and go for a romantic little picnic.

If you live on the West side, snatch up your love and go for a sunset hike in Malibu. (STC loves Temescal Canyon) Or, you could take a swing at romance at the Aroma Sports indoor driving range in Koreatown. Hipsters be damned, hop on your fixie with some sammies and 2-buck Chuck for a impromptu picnic under the stars. It’s not about being planned or fancy. It’s about getting out and doing something a little out of the ordinary together.

Feed Your Faces

That doesn’t mean you have to do that fancy dinner thang. It just means work your way to their heart through their belly. Cook their favorite meal and get some of L.A.’s finest cupcakes for dessert. We love Sprinkles, Crumbs and Yummy (sometimes all at once).  And if you have 24-hour notice, you can hit up Gotta Have S’more for a V-day version of their campfire cupcakes. If you’ve been together awhile, go to the same place as your first date. Or, just walk to that little taco hut down the street you both keep saying you wanna try. But, hold hands while you do it and laugh at all the smucks caught in traffic. True love means staying off the 405 on Valentine’s Day.

Gift Them Something Useful, Not Fatty

As the city is on traffic lock down, a sweet gift would be tickets to something awesome…on another night. If they are into cooking, get them some classes at the local school. Surfing or paddle boarding lessons for the ocean lover. Think of what they are interested in, and schedule a time to do that activity together. It’s the thought that counts, not the immediacy. Check the deals on zozi.com for all things adventure.

Don’t Over Think It

True love doesn't need bling.

Sure, it’s a Hallmark holiday. And, yes, every day should be Valentine’s Day. But since it has a label and all, something is likely expected of you. Make a card with some office supplies or even just offer a massage while watching Tosh.0 re-runs. Take time to show a little extra love. Those sweet little heart-filled gestures are likely to mean more than some bling-bling. (Unless you are dating one of the RHOBH or RHOC then you better get ready to dish out the diamonds, cause Lisa needs too look like a chandelier.)

And for those flying solo on Valentine’s Day, just be happy you get to escape the pressure of this pink and red “holiday.” If you want to drown your solo sorrow’s, Gladstone’s in Malibu is having an Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash with $25 buckets of beer and $15 beer-and-burger plate. But you could also just enjoy that Taco Bell 5-layer burrito and watching whatever you want on the tube. It’s your night. – Lori Bartlett

You’re not fun at all. They couldn’t find someone else to write an article about what to do in this city?” – Yassir’s Mom referring to this entry.

Happy Holidays!

Hey all! Christmas is right around the corner! It’s not even that far away. It’s in your living room with a ski mask, knife and smells like cheap cologne. And it wants to have fun.

But what to do? The city seems to shut down at this time of year, but there’s a number of people and businesses that are tailor fitted to catering to people like you and me (the poor, or people who can’t stand their family). So here’s a quick rundown of what to do for fun around this time of year in the city of Demons.

#1 Local Restaurants

A lot of these places pride themselves on being L.A.-based, and like to give deals to people here, because they assume you’re from here if you’re staying. And they want you to eat. ALOT. There’s tons of buffets and Christmas dinners that can feed multiple families at these places. Yelp them. It’s the only time of year that eating is actually encouraged. You might as well take advantage of it while you can, before that guy who has a desk in his garage that calls himself “your manager” tells you to lose 76 pounds so you can audition for the Keira Knightley biopic coming out in 2016. You know, if the world doesn’t end.

#2 Live ANYTHING

Live comedy will cheer you up.

You’d be surprised how many arts and entertainment venues are open on Christmas Eve and day. The Comedy Store is one of them. You can see the best comics in the nation tell hilarious jokes (for cheap, if not free) at a national landmark. It’s hard to get better than that. But if comedy isn’t your thing, there are coffee shops and bars and everything else holding shows that night with music, poetry, art exhibits, movie screenings, and more. Or you can just go to a bar. Which I’m a huge advocate of. Even if you don’t drink, it’s great for people watching. It’s an interesting mix of people that go to a bar on Christmas. That’s not talking down to anyone by the way. You’ll see a guy in a $3000 suit sitting next to a dude in a dirty vest an old jeans sharing a drink and becoming family with everyone else around. It really is fun. And it’s a great way to meet your neighbors. On Christmas people aren’t driving to Hollywood to party. They’re going around the corner, having a beer and making friends. You also get drunk. Which is a huge plus.

#3 Have a party!

For as much as we all hate Facebook and Twitter, this is the time you can actually use it for something besides telling people how tired you are of Bristol Palin. Send out a lil’ invite and host a get together for you and your closest friends. You won’t know who’s here until you ask. Maybe you don’t have your own party, but this way you can find out who’s doing what. And you can go to someone else’s party, which is just as fun. I’m a loner and completely understand the want and need to be alone for some of us, but Christmas doesn’t lend itself well to loneliness. I highly suggest you get together with a group of people. It doesn’t have to be huge rager, just something to be social for the one time of year you get a pass to care about someone besides yourself.

Well, that’s it! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And I hope you enjoyed reading. If not, please send all emails to:

heyidontcareifyoulikedthisornotyoualreadyreadittotheveryendwhycomplainnow@yassirlester.com

Thanks! And happy Holidays!

Check out more of what Yassir has to say at http://yassirlester.com/

Though L.A. doesn’t get the traditional “white” Christmas, the holiday spirit rings throughout the city. Everyone gets into the spirit of the season of giving. You’ll likely find despite the crowds, Angelenos are generally in a better mood and a little kinder during this time of year (minus in traffic – then all bets are off).

If you need to get out of a Scrooge-like funk or just want to rejoice in some holiday fun, check out STC’s top 8 picks for great holiday events.

1. Outdoor Ice Skating

Outdoor ice skating new the beach is a new experience.

Both Santa Monica and downtown L.A. in Pershing Square offer up some ice this time of year. Located in the busy Promenade area, on the Santa Monica rink, you get the rare experience of smelling the salty ocean air while gliding around on the ice. Admission is $10 including skate rentals.

This is the 13th year the rink has been set up in Pershing, and they still offer a low admission price of $6, along with free events such as concerts and exhibitions.

2. Stevie Wonder’s 15th Annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert

If you got a big bonus or a little extra holiday cash, the legendary, Stevie Wonder, will take the stage at the Nokia L.A. Live Theater this Saturday, December 18. Eric Benet, Babyface and many more will join Stevie for this good cause concert. The proceeds bring toys to children in shelters, hospitals and orphanages across the nation. Tickets start at $55 and go up to $150.

3. Kathy Griffin at the Gibson Amp

If you like your holidays a little rougher around the edges, comedian Kathy Griffin brings her sassy, celeb-bashing antics to the Gibson Amphitheater this Thursday, Dec. 16 and Friday, Dec. 17. She is supporting her comedy album, “Suckin’ It for the Holidays.” Tickets start around $40 and go up to $100.

4. Holiday Movies at the Aero

For the next few weeks leading up to the “big day,” the Aero Theater is screening a grip of holiday classics. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Bad Santa,” they have the bases covered. This Saturday, Dec. 18, they have a special family screening of “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” with animators, authors and actors stopping by to answer questions after the show.

5. Shopping at The Grove

Holiday shopping at The Grove just feels a little more magical.

While every Target in town is packed to the gills with shoppers, The Grove offers a festive atmosphere while you burn a hole in your wallet. They have 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, evening snow flurries and plenty of chances to meet the jolliest of them all, Santa.

6. Improv Hollywood Holiday Ha!

This Sunday, Dec. 19, make your way over to the Improv to bust your belly from  laughter (rather than grandma’s cookies) for their seasonal showcase, Holiday Ha! The show features comedians from Comedy Playground’s teen comics and a few adult comedians for this all ages show. Tickets are $12.

7. Disneyland

Again, you gotta have a little extra cash handy for this one, but  if you can, the holidays in the land of the mouse are pretty magical. The Haunted Mansion gets “The Nightmare Before Christmas” treatment, the park gets a heavy dose of lights throughout and, of course, the Christmas Fantasy Parade. One day tickets start at $76.

8. Nutcracker

The ballet, The Nutcracker, is a Christmas classic. So much so, that many companies put on the play in nearly ever Los Angeles area city. It’s a holiday tradition that will certainly leave you with visions of sugar plums dancing in your head. Ticket prices range depending on the performing company. – Lori Bartlett

What’s your favorite holiday event? Let  us know in the comments.

Snow may never fall in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t partake in the Christmas spirit. The holiday season normally brings about its own stresses from decorating to shopping to dealing with the frenzy of people crowding the streets. It all pays off when you get to spend this time with family and friends by the fire or over a glass of eggnog.

An essential part to any holiday gathering is crafting the perfect playlist. Music usually sets the flow and tone of any party. A key to creating a great mix is combining the classic, beloved carols with more contemporary renditions. Here are 10 tracks that should be part of every holiday playlist.

Holiday tunes can keep you toasty in the cold...err mild L.A. winter.

10. “Last Christmas” (Wham) – A song about moving past Christmas heartbreak has become a staple on holiday playlist across the country.
Alternative: Both Jimmy Eat World and Florence + The Machine crafted very sparse versions of the song that are definitely worth a listen.

09. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee) – Brenda Lee was only 14 when she originally recorded this Christmas classic. There’s no escaping this song during the winter months as it played several times on the hour. The good thing for us is that it’s such a great song and one you can’t help but sing aloud.
Alternative: Kim Wilde is a distant second.

08. “The Chipmunk Song” (The Chipmunks) – Who wouldn’t want a hula hoop for Christmas? The song brings back the nostalgic feeling of being a child again. The majority of us in our 20s and 30s grew up on the Chipmunks and their weekly antics, so this song is a reminder of our younger years before life became so complicated.
Accepted no substitutions

07. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” (Nat King Cole) – This song has been part of the holiday season since the 40s. In nearly 70 years of existence no one sings this better than Nat King Cole who recorded the song in 1946.
Alternative: Adding his touch to the classic, Bob Dylan’s version stands on its own.

06. “Santa Baby” (Eartha Kitt) – A sexy Christmas carol in which the lady in question seductively asks Santa for a series of things such as a yacht, which she pines “is not a lot.” Kitt’s original take is the gold standard, but the song has been covered by artists from various genres from Madonna to Taylor Swift.
Alternative: For all the numerous covers, Kylie Minogue is the only one who comes close to capturing suggestive delivery needed for this song.

05. “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms) – The song instantly conjures up two very distinct films as it was used in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and performed in Mean Girls. You can’t have a memorable mix without it.
Alternative: Taking the song for a swing, The Brian Setzer Orchestra make the song impossible to not move to.

04. “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer (Elmo & Patsy) – Add a little humor to your mix with this comical tale of a grandma who has too much eggnog. This song always brings about some laughs and singing.
Alternative: Less than Jake add some punk-pop polish to the track.

03. “All I Want For Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey) – It’s not Christmas ’till you hear Carey’s “All I want for Christmas Is You.” Sixteen years after its release and the song is more popular than ever outplaying and outselling every other Christmas song. Much like the tasty treats we bake during the holidays, this is one song where one listen is simply not enough.
Alternative: Lady Antebellum take the classic and transform it into a country-tinged ballad.

02. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” (Frank Sinatra) – This is my favorite Christmas carol. Some people may not know, but there are actually two versions of this song. The song was originally recorded by Judy Garland with the line “It may be your last / Next year we may all be living in the past,” which was changed to “Let your heart be light / Next year all our troubles will be out of sight” for Sinatra’s version.
Alternative: Garland’s original which was recorded for 1944 musical Meet Me in St. Louis.

01. “Sleigh Ride” (Ella Fitzgerald) – “Come on its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.” The song is sugary sweet and is sure to lift everyone’s spirits. Fitzgerald vocal delivery on this song is unrivaled as she infuses each syllable with sincerity and never settles for cheese as other artists often do.
Alternative: The only voice that comes close is Karen Carpenters so be sure to seek out the Carpenters take on the classic.

A few other contenders: “Where Are You Christmas?” Faith Hill, “My Grown Up Christmas List” Monica, “Merry Christmas, Darling” The Carpenters, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” John Lennon & Yoko Ono, “White Christmas,” Bing Crosby, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” Johnny Mathis – Pablo Saldana

What songs did we miss? What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

L.A. is definitely a foodie town. From fast food to high-end eateries, while we try not to look like we indulge, L.A. residents have pretty refined pallets. Below are some top picks for places not to miss as you explore L.A.’s food culture. These joints will fill your belly, give you a taste of L.A. history and are pretty friendly to your wallet. And if you ask this Survival Guide, dessert is always a must.

1. In & Out Burger – various locations around the city

There’s a reason the In & Out by LAX is never empty: Even those who don’t live in Los Angeles know that you simply can’t leave Cali without a taste of these amazing burgers. Want to feel “in the know?” Make sure you brush up on your I&O lingo: Animal style, need we say more?

2. Father’s Office – 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 3229 Helms Ave., Los Angeles

Speaking of burgers, if you’re in the mood for a great burger, plus a crafted tasty cold one, you have to try Father’s Office. There are two locations – one on Montana in Santa Monica, and the other off of Venice Blvd in Culver City. There high-end take on a burger is only served one way; delicious.

You'll love Tito's Tacos.

3. Tito’s Tacos – 11222 Washington Place, Culver City

This taco stand is an L.A. staple. Sure, there are long lines and you have to wait outside, but excellence comes at a price. Well, not a steep one, tacos are under two bucks, but make sure to have cash handy. Tito’s doesn’t take plastic, but they do dole out fifty-cent pieces which is another unique facet of this no frills eatery.

4. Casa Vega – 13301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks

Located on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, this Mexican restaurant was recently featured on the show Flipping Out.  It’s dimly lit and its authentic fare isn’t cheap, but there’s a reason this famous restaurant needed a hostess-area remodel – it’s always packed and patrons spend time waiting up front. Don’t want to wait? Go for lunch or slip the host a $10 in the evenings. Don’t want to pay top prices?  Sit at the bar – the bartenders have been known to treat their guests.

5. Musso and Frank Grill – 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles

Located in Hollywood on the corner of Hollywood and Cherokee, this restaurant boasts the title of “Oldest Restaurant in Hollywood” and there’s a reason it is still around. The fare runs the traditional American gamut with staples like corned beef, stew and chicken pot pie, and the prices are a little high for the food. But for a sample of Hollywood history and a possible celebrity siting, it’s a priceless experience.

6. 25 Degrees – 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles

"Bordello meets burger bar."

Located in the historic Roosevelt hotel across from the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theater, this “bordello meets burger bar” boasts a menu full of customizable burger fixin’s. This STC gal can’t get enough of their blue cheese, and often opts for the Guinness milkshake. Besides the awesome location and tasty burgers, 25 Degrees get bonus points for being open 24/7.

7. Neptune’s Net – 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

Nothing says California quite like coasting up the PCH and popping into a fish shack for some tasty fresh grub. Neptune’s Net is a landmark location for bikers from near and far. On any given day, you will spot a multitude of Harley’s stacked up outside this shabby shack that serves fried fish in various delightful forms. And a picnic table view overlooking the Pacific is a selling point too.

8. On the Waterfront Cafe – 205 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach

To be totally honest, you don’t come to the Waterfront for food. While they have a pretty decent selection of typical bar food, and it’s pretty tasty, the location is the reason to visit. Well that, and the huge glasses of Kostrizer and imported beers you can imbibe while watching the greatest show in L.A.; The circus of the Venice boardwalk. On a sunny day with a few friends, it’s the kind of place you lose all track of time, and hang out until the sun sets.

Chicken and waffles can't be wrong.

9. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles – 5006 West Pico Blvd, Los Angeles; 1514 North Gower Street, Los Angeles; 106 Manchester Blvd., Los Angeles

The combination of chicken and waffles is a savory, sweet kicker that will cause your taste buds to rejoice. The waffle batter is delicious, the fried chicken is crispy and the cozy ambiance reminds you of a diner in the South. It’s not the place you come to for L.A.’s hip scene, but it’s downright tasty, not-good-for-you food.

10. Robin Hood Pub – 13640 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks
So, this little British pub located in the heart of the Valley off of Burbank Blvd. may not be on any popular top 10 list, but STC is confident it deserves a spot at the top. With some of the most incredible, authentic British foods like bangers & mash, pasties, and Scottish eggs with Bronson pickles, this pub will turn you into a regular in no time flat. If you’re there during the week, ask for Lydia and tell her Heather sent you. – Heather Broeker and Lori Bartlett

Hey all you fashionistas – it’s that time of year again: the time where we say goodbye to our flirty sundresses and hello to ugly bubble coats. But wait! Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stay home drinking hot chocolate and playing cheekybingo or Angry Birds all day! You don’t have to buy a brand new wardrobe either. Just get creative with your summer gear, adding that extra layer or two for the much needed warmth and comfort. A little mix and match and you’ll look like a million dollars!

Check out these latest trends for fall and winter before putting your booty shorts in storage.

Tights can take shorts from summer to fall.

1. Add extras: A major trend this season is adding on warmer options to summer attire. For example, you can still wear your Daisy Dukes, just put some colorful tights on underneath. And you can still wear your favorite tank top, just add a chunky knit scarf.

2. Gold: Gold is making a major comeback. Maybe it’s a sign we’re moving out of the recession? Either way, add on some gold bangles or a big gold cocktail ring to spice up your outfilt.

A faux fur vest is a trendy addition for fall.

3. Accessories: Now, these may not work for us East-coasters who have a real winter to worry about, but there are lots of adaptations of winter-wear out there for those in warmer climates. Fingerless gloves and (faux) fur vests are taking the place of big jackets and leather gloves on the West coast.

4. Color: Black is no longer the fallback winter color. This season, camel and cream-colored jackets are preferred as well as in-your-face bright tights in every color of the rainbow. Don’t be afraid to make a statement!

Flat boots offer comfort and fashion.

5. Flat boots: Boot have always been a winter staple, but this season our feet will get a rest by wearing flats instead of heels. Ankle boots look great with shorts and skirts, while knee-highs look great over skinny jeans.

Whatever your style, there’s a fun way to dress it up this winter without having to pull out the dreaded bubble jacket. – Jessica Hartman

It’s usually one of the first inquisitions from your Mid-West relatives and the first thing out-of-towners want to see; celebrities. The American obsession with the rich and famous is such a topic of fascination that entire empires have been built by exploiting the minor details of celebrities lives (ut um, Perez). For the most part, it’s a harmless guilty pleasure.

If you’ve lived in L.A. for any stretch of time, you have probably had a run in or two with someone whose face has graced the silver screen, the tube or even the D-list of TMZ.com. Yet, when Aunt Mildred comes to town or you have a great screenplay you just need to get into the right hands, it’s hard to produce celebrity results on demand.

Lucky for you, STC is here to help. While we can’t guarantee sitings, check these places where the famous often roam, and you just might score that photo op with Tara Reid.

Urth Cafe plays host to celebs who enjoy organic teas and coffee.

10. Urth Cafe on Melrose

This cafe boasts a menu full of natural and organic foods perfect for the posh diet. It’s also located in the trendy shopping district on Melrose, and the patio is the perfect place for people watching. If it looks familiar, it’s often the chosen dining destination for Vinny Chase and friends on “Entourage.”

9. Runyon Canyon

Located in the heart of Hollywood, this trail is a popular spot for celeb dog owners to walk their pooches. Often celebs also visit this park to keep their nearly perfect figures. The likes of Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake and Zac Efron have been spotted here.

8. Mr. Chow

This Beverly Hills eatery is known for its pricey Chinese food, and famous clientele. Paparazzi frequent the surrounding area waiting to snap a shot of a post-lunch celeb. George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow and Barbara Streisand are just a few of the heavy hitters that grub at Mr. Chow.

7. Brentwood Country Mart

The area between Santa Monica and Westwood, known as Brentwood, caters to lifestyle of the wealthy. Yet, a bright red barn stands where local celebs come to shop and eat. Patrons include stars Robert Redford and Tom Hanks.

6. Fred Segal on Melrose/ Fred Segal in Santa Monica

The California casual retailer attracts stars from the A to D-list. With a cafe, a salon and high-end clothing available, Fred Segal is a one-stop-shop for it’s famous patrons. Either location attracts the young, rich Hollywood elite such as Ryan Renyolds and Kate Hudson.

5. Farmer’s Market at The Grove

Located at 3rd and Fairfax, celebs can shop at the nearby stores and grab a bite at one of the many eateries located here. From the gourmet cheeses to the creative ice cream, the Market is a favorite for famous families to take their tots. Gwen Stefani and her famous family have been spotted hanging at The Grove.

Chateau caters to celebs who like their privacy.

4. Chateau Marmont

For the celebs who aim for privacy, this French-style hotel is their refuge. Security here is tight, and they frown upon people trying to snap photos of their favorite stars. Thus why the hotel attracts likes of Lindsay Lohan and Keanu Reeves.

3. The Ivy

Just a few blocks from the expensive shops at the Beverly Center, this eatery has a reputation for being the place to been seen. Unlike Chateau Marmont, the patio allows paparazzi full access to photograph and get the scoop. The restaurant has been in the background of several features including “Get Shorty” and “The Bodyguard.” You never know just who is gonna pop in to this French bistro.

2. Santa Monica Beach/Promenade

Though this area is bustling with tourists, it’s also home to a wealth of shops and eateries. Like The Grove on the shore, the Santa Monica Beach and Promenade offers something for celebs and their families to enjoy together. Just about all L.A. locals have been seen shopping or dining in this area including Larry David and Matthew MaConaughey.

Stars (in the sky and in the seats) emerge at the Hollywood Bowl.

1. Hollywood Bowl and Shows

The younger Hollywood A-list loves music. And most of the time they can use their status to get backstage passes or all-access to nearly any music event in L.A. If you see a new hot band is playing at the Troubadour, you have a good chance of a celebrity spotting. Check your local listings.

Bonus – The place you probably won’t see celebrities.

With the exception of a few fame-whores, most celebrities are private people. They don’t like being harassed by the public or paparazzi. Thus, densely packed places with hoards of tourists are the worst place for them to be. Contrary to the dreams Aunt Mildred has, she won’t be seeing Tom Cruise on Hollywood Blvd. (well, pop into the Scientology Center.) – Lori Bartlett

Advice Guru, Vin.

Greetings! My name is Vindictive Vin and it is not a pseudonym. In fact, it is another facet of my complex and obsessive compulsive personality. I am here to answer questions about life, love and relationships. Why? Because I can. Make no mistake, I’m a nice guy. And yes, that was a stolen shot. And yes, I love California. Got a problem with that?

If you have L.A. dilemmas, send me your questions at alvinreyes@alvinreyes.ws or STC editor, lori@survivethecity.com.

Dear Vindictive Vin,

I know this isn’t a problem only I face. You go to a bar and a guy wants to buy you a drink. You politely decline, but he insists. Perhaps you’ve got a boyfriend or you just aren’t interested. What is the best way to handle this without sounding rude or assuming he’s not just being nice (oh come on, you mean to tell me guys don’t buy drinks just for the kindness factor?!)? Also, do you have any advice for guys on the other end of this situation?

Thanks,
Taken Tammy

Vindictive Vin’s Reply

This one is a classic. I should point out to the male population that if and when a woman politely declines a drink, bugger off and go back to being sober. If a woman shows the slightest amount of interest then I believe that you’ll get the hint. (Unless you happen to be Vincent Chase, in which case, picking up women in a bar is like spraying pesticide to a roach-infested apartment: They all run towards you like crazy and lie on their backs with legs spread.)

Thankfully, there are still a few species of the male population that would buy you a drink just for the kindness factor (nerds or geeks, for example.) But learn to read between the lines. If a guy wants to buy you a beer, maybe he thinks you’re too skinny and could use a few carbohydrates in your diet. Or maybe he’s a college dude. Or maybe he loves the taste of a fine brew. Or maybe he’s just too sensitive. If you fancy the dork and find him interesting, then by all means grab the drink and prepare to run away together as fast as you can. And not only if he’s Hayden Christensen.

It’s a good idea to befriend the bouncers in your favorite bars. If a hooligan approaches and insists on buying you a drink, then a quick “help me get rid of this fellow” glance at your muscle-bound friend is all it takes to rid you of those annoying pests. Your boyfriend will surely appreciate this gesture.

Send Vin an email via alvinreyes@alvinreyes.ws or check his website at Life music. He would love to hear your comments, queries, suggestions or similar advice. Until then, stay civilized and try to stay out of trouble.

You can also email your questions to lori@survivethecity.com.